MSU College of Law to Offer SBM “Professionalism in Action” Program to Students

8/10/09

Another Michigan law school is partnering with the State Bar of Michigan to offer its “Professionalism in Action” program to new law students.

As part of their orientation, nearly 300 Michigan State University College of Law students will engage in small group discussions with 25 veteran attorneys and judges to learn about real-world ethical dilemmas and professional conduct. The orientation on Wednesday, August 19, will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

State Bar President Edward Pappas, who initiated a pilot of the “Professionalism in Action” program in May at Cooley Law School’s Auburn Hills campus, will provide introductory remarks. United States District Judge Marianne Battani will serve as program facilitator and keynote speaker.

“This new program with its focus on ethics and professionalism is gathering momentum and we have received very positive feedback so far,” Pappas said. “Ethics and professionalism is central to our legal culture and we invite all Michigan law schools to participate in this unique endeavor, which is the first of its kind in the state.”

The Associate Dean for Student Affairs at MSU’s College of Law Connell Alsup noted that a student’s professional reputation as a lawyer begins in law school. He described the State Bar’s “Professionalism in Action” program as “a perfect way to bring members of the legal community and students together and to reinforce the importance of making a commitment to professionalism.”

The Wayne State University College of Law is also slated to incorporate aspects of the program into its student orientation sessions in the near future.

Limited openings are available for area lawyers and judges interested in participating in the MSU orientation program. For more information please contact Patti Peyton at Ppeyton@mail.michbar.org.

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About the State Bar of Michigan
Established in 1935, the State Bar of Michigan represents more than 40,000 practicing attorneys and judges. The mission of the Bar is to improve the administration of justice, promote the legal profession, and build public understanding of our legal system.

About Michigan State University College of Law
MSU College of Law was founded in 1891 and is a private institution of higher learning devoted exclusively to professional education in the law. The Law College is one of only a few law schools to be affiliated with a research university enabling it to provide a comprehensive interdisciplinary legal education program. Additional information about MSU College of Law can be found at .www.law.msu.edu